London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride - thank you

When:
Saturday 22 September 2018

Where:
London to Brighton

Register for the London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride

Found on the bucket list of many a mountain bike enthusiast, this unique event packs all the best bits of off-road riding together into one jam-packed amazingly varied route that will provide you with a muddy adventure you'll never forget. From steep forest inclines to tricky technical descents, rocky paths to adrenaline pumping single tracks - we've got it all.

The variation means there's something on offer for cyclists of all abilities. There's plenty of technical sections to delight the off-road professional - but at 71 miles, the event also presents an achievable challenge to those new to the sport, especially with the help of our training advice and support.

Most importantly of all, by taking part in this challenge you'll be supporting and raising money for our life saving research. And by signing up today, you'll take advantage of our exclusive early bird discount! So what are you waiting for?

For safety reasons, we have a capacity of 2,500 participants, and registration will close when this is reached. As an event that nearly always sell out, We therefore strongly encourage anyone wishing to take part to sign up now in order to avoid disappointment.

You need to be at least 16 years old to take part in this challenging event. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Your entry fee covers the cost of organising the event but it's the money you raise that powers our life saving research.

Start location

Car Parking

There will be free drop off and long stay parking available at the start site on the morning of the event. For those looking to leave their cars at the site, the gates for the racecourse will be open until 11:30pm. Should you arrive after this time, please contact site security using the details on found on the gates. They will be able to come and let you in.

Public Transport

Kempton Park Rail Station is directly outside the start venue. Sunbury Rail Station is approx 0.5 miles and Hampton (London) Rail Station is approximately two miles from the start.

Regular services run throughout the day from central London.

We strongly advise checking with your planned train operator that bikes are allowed on the service you intend on using before travelling - some services require your bike to be booked on in advance. South West Trains, who have been informed of the event, have told us that their restrictions on bikes are greatly reduced at weekends. It is at the discretion of the guard on each service as to how many bikes are safely allowed on board, and this is managed on a first come, first served basis. Participants should therefore allow plenty of time to get to the event.

The Finish

Hove Lawns,
Brighton,
BN3 2LS

Parking

There will be a short stay car park available through suspended parking bays alongside the finish site on the Kingsway Road (BN3 2LS). These will act as a pick up site for you to be collected after the ride. There is a maximum stay of 2 hours per car. Please ensure the parking voucher, which will you receive in your welcome pack, is displayed.

Parking is not permitted on Hove Lawns or anywhere on the grass near the event finish site.

If you would like to stay for longer, there are other pay and display car parks nearby:

Public Transport

The finish site is 1 mile away from both Brighton and Hove train stations. The rail companies that serve these stations are both aware of the event but are not putting on any additional services. We therefore strongly recommend planning your journey in advance of the day and ensure you've consulted the relevant train company's bike policy.

Raise money

Completely planned, organised and managed by the British Heart Foundation, this event exists in order to raise funds for our life saving research. Research that will, one day, put a stop to the devastation caused by heart disease. This year we are asking you all to try and raise at least £100.

Creating an online fundraising page is the easiest way to raise money. It takes a few minutes to set up and a link can then be easily shared with your friends and family on social media and by email. Remember, you're taking part in an amazing challenge - people will want to support you.

Take a look at our fundraising guide for other ideas, tips and support to help you smash your target.

Get kitted up

Want to show the world that you've joined the fight against heart disease? We have a full range of kit in our online cycling shop. Whether you're after something to wear on your training rides, an accessory you need or a gift for a loved one - start browsing and find something for you today. And with all proceeds going towards our life saving heart research, it gives the term guilt free shopping a whole new meaning!

Strava

Join our Strava club to communicate with fellow participants and share training distances, routes and times ahead of the big day.

You're a Heart Rider - spread the word

Signing up for this challenge is no mean feat and we want you to tell all your friends and family just what you're doing and why. To help you spread the word we've created a range of social media profile pictures for you to use. Choose your favourite, upload it and start telling everyone what it means to be a Heart Rider. Don't forget to include a link to your JustGiving page.

Get your family and friends involved

Our events cannot happen without the help of our fantastic volunteers. If you would like to help out in the lead up to this event or on event day then please get in touch with us and we will send you more information.

Timings

As there is a chance of bad weather/fading light during the later parts of this event, we strongly recommend participants packing bike lights.

You will be set off in small waves every ten minutes. All participants will receive a safety briefing before starting the event.

Please be aware that there will be a wait at the start line during the first hour of the event. In order to ensure your safety on the early sections of the ride, we can only release participants in small groups to avoid crowding - and a queue will therefore be inevitable. We will do our best to keep this to a minimum but please be patient.

The route

Starting at Kempton Park Racecourse, you'll quickly pick up the Thames Cycle Track as you enjoy some stunning views over the river as you head out of the city. You'll encounter some stunning views as you cycle through Weybridge, Shere, Southwater Country Park and Steyning. We're not done with you yet though, you'll have to conquer the monster climb of Truleigh Hill right at the end of the ride - it's not for the feint hearted, but the views at the top out to the sea make all the hard work worthwhile. Then it's on to Brighton where you'll bask in the glory of the welcoming crowd at the finish line.

Terrain

We're proud of the unique varied nature of our route. You'll be faced with a number of different elements of mountain biking including tough climbs, technical descents, rocky surfaces, dirt trails, forest paths, rapid single track and the popular South Downs Link.

In order to get you to Brighton safely, there are some small road sections - these are just to connect you to the next bit of exhilarating mountain bike riding - but don't be disheartened if you're met with a small section of tarmac.

Make sure you have the right kit

If you're not sure what to wear on the day and what you need to bring with you, take a look at our recommended cycling kit list. You'll receive your participant number in the post just before the event.

As the ride is predominantly off-road, we recommend at least a CX (30+mm) tyre - the ride is not suitable for narrow wheeled bikes, slicks or on road tyres.

We strongly recommend riders come with bike lights in case of bad weather and fading light during the evening sections of the ride.

Facilities

Toilets will be available at the start, every water stop and at the finish.

Mobile cycle repair will also be available along the route and will be stationed at water stops.

Complimentary nutritional snacks will be available for participants along the route - details to be confirmed. There will also be hot drinks and food purchasable from the start, finish and at water stop 2 (Shere recreation ground).

Official water stops will be located at 15, 31, 52, 63 miles.

The festival finish

After a challenging days off-road cycling, we know how important that finish line is to you. And we won't disappoint. A crowd of family, friends and supporters will cheer you across the finish line, where you'll be greeted with lots of entertainment for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Some of the highlights include:

A range of exciting games being provided by our fabulous sponsors Jaffa, who will also be giving away complimentary satsumas and refreshing orange juice

There will of course also be toilets, first aid and water.

Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in coming to support you. It promises to be a memorable conclusion to special day and we'd love your friends and family to come down early and revel in the atmosphere.

*Due to popular demand, we will be providing a bar at the finish site of this year's event, enabling you to purchase an alcoholic beverage to celebrate your achievements. This will be situated in the main marquee on site. Please be aware that due to licensing restrictions any alcohol purchased can only be consumed inside the marquee, and this will be enforced by on site security. This facility has been provided at your request, please ensure you drink responsibly and act accordingly to prevent this from being removed in future years.

What to expect

Want to get a taste of what you're in for? One of last year's participants Gary has written a fantastic blog - 'From Behind Bars' - about his experience at the event. We think it gives an excellent summary of the ride and is a must read for any potential participants.

Welcome to the club

New for 2017 is our exclusive 500 club, for those who smash the minimum sponsorship target for an event and go on to raise over £500.

Your fundraising will make a significant difference to the BHF as we continue our fight against heart disease. The BHF currently supports 2,500 healthcare professionals working with people affected by cardiovascular disease, funding over 1,100 research projects to help us reach our ultimate goal – the end of heart disease and to the devastation it causes.

If you have £500 or more (excluding GiftAid) pledged by your supporters on your JustGiving page firstly congratulations you are amazing! You'll now be eligible to join the 500 Club and receive your exclusive BHF jersey

For teams to be eligible there must be at least £500 or more (excluding Gift Aid) pledged per person, along with the names of all eligible entrants showing on the team fundraising page and each individual needs to fill in a separate form in each case to claim the 500 club jersey.

(E.g A team of 4 would need a minimum of £2000 (exc Gift Aid) pledged on their team page)

Fight for every heartbeat

British Heart Foundation is a registered Charity No. 225971. Registered as a Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No. 699547. Registered office at Greater London House, 180 Hampstead Road, London NW1 7AW. Registered as a Charity in Scotland No. SC039426

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